Several Fijians were awarded medals for their contribution to our country by President Jioji Konrote at the State House.

Five year old Aqoriniasi Dreu was awarded a bravery medal for saving his brother from drowning.

The Companion of the Order of Fiji medals were awarded to former Chief Justice Anthony Gates and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Barry Whiteside.

The Officer of the Order of Fiji medals were awarded to Jenny Seeto, Ratu Peni Volavola, Keith Broadbridge, Lagisoa Delana, Ratu Inoke Seru and Sina Kami.

The Officer of the Order of Fiji of the Military Division medal was awarded to the Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho and the Navy Captain John Fox.

The Member of the Order of Fiji medals have been awarded to Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Theresa Mackenzie, Apenisa Bogiso, Professor Narendra Reddy, Ratu Epeli Niudumu, Manasa Ragigia, Dr. Saraswati Nandan and Opetaia Alefaio.

The Medal of the Honor of Fiji medals have been awarded to Jitoko Soko, Saula Raiyawa, Jone Kotobalavu, Mohammed Lateef Koya, Kalioni Nasoko, Samisoni Viriviri, Vatemo Ravouvou, Apolonia Vaivai, Winston Hill and Broderick John Mervyn.

The President says the awardees have every right to be given the award and has thanked their family for their support.

A minute of silence was also observed to honour the life of  late Dixon Seeto, President of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association and of  Chinese Association of Fiji.